The Governing Board believes that charter schools provide one opportunity to implement school-level reform and to support innovations which improve student learning. These schools shall operate under the provisions of their charters, federal laws, specified state laws, and general oversight of the Board.

The Superintendent or designee may work with charter school petitioners prior to the formal submission of the petition in order to gather information about the proposal and suggest components that would align the petition with the district's vision and goals for student learning. As needed, he/she may work with the petitioners to establish workable plans for technical assistance or contracted services which the district may provide to the proposed charter school.

At his/her discretion, the Superintendent or designee may establish a staff advisory committee to review a submitted petition and the supporting documentation. Such a committee may be used to evaluate the completeness of the proposal, the merits of the proposed educational program, the level of community support, and any concerns that should be addressed by the petitioners. The Superintendent or designee shall also consult with legal counsel as appropriate regarding compliance of the proposal with legal requirements.

In determining whether to grant or deny a charter, the Board shall carefully review the proposed charter and any supplementary information, consider public and staff input, and determine whether the charter petition adequately addresses all the provisions required by law. The Board shall not deny a charter school petition unless specific written factual findings are made pursuant to law and administrative regulation.

The Board may approve one or more memoranda of understanding to clarify the financial and operational agreements between the district and the charter school. Any such memorandum of understanding shall be annually reviewed by the Board and charter school and adjusted as necessary.

The district shall not require any student to attend a charter school and shall not require any district employee to work at a charter school. (Education Code 47605)

The Board shall ensure that any charter granted by the Board contains adequate processes and measures for holding the school accountable for fulfilling the terms of its charter. These shall include, but not be limited to, fiscal accountability systems, multiple measures for evaluating the educational program, and regular reports to the Board.

The Board shall monitor each charter school to determine whether it makes "adequate yearly progress" as defined by the State Board of Education and federal Title I accountability requirements. If a charter school fails to make adequate yearly progress for two or more consecutive years, the Board shall take action for program improvement in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulations.

The Board may consider converting an existing school to a charter school when state or federal law requires restructuring of the school because of low performance or when otherwise deemed beneficial by the district and community.